Ensconce Transformers Prime AU (Book 2) (Wattys 2017)

Chapter Twenty Four

Sorry this chapter is so long... I'll make sure to shorten them from now on. ;)

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A man stood in the shadows across from the city hall. He was well hidden from anyone and no one noticed. He stared blankly at nothing in particular as he stayed leaned against the wall. His head bowed a little as he thought about his life. He heard people walking out of the building and talking about their next move. He looked at them and stared blankly as he studied them. Chief Burns told them his idea then they separated and went elsewhere.

Soundwave watched quietly and didn't move. He saw his brother among them and he wanted to go to him. He missed the old days. He felt guilty for what he did and wanted to do something else. But he couldn't. His brother probably hated him now more than ever. He blinked back tears and disappeared to report.

Heatwave stopped suddenly and furrowed his brow. He felt someone was watching him and he looked around. He stared at the alleyway across the street for a moment. He frowned deeply and shrugged it off before walking away. He was on strike with the others, and needed to focus.

A little later Soundwave quietly walked into the hideout and stared at the other two. Shockwave continued to work on something while Steeljaw stood in the corner. He was staring out the window as he thought about something. Soundwave quietly went to Shockwave and explained the situation. His older brother nodded slowly and glared a little.

"Steeljaw, it would be logical for you to... encourage the others to attack and overthrow the mayor." He said seriously and looked at him. Steeljaw continued to stare for a moment then looked at him.

"Consider it done." He smirked cockily and walked off. Soundwave watched quietly and waited for the door to close. He wanted to express his concerns to his brother.

"S... Shockwave..." he mumbled quietly and looked at the floor. He had become fearful of his older brother over the years. The man stopped suddenly and looked at him.

"It must be important for you to break your code of silence." He muttered and narrowed his eyes. Soundwave hesitated then hung his head as he shook it.

"Don't start doubting what we have worked so hard to achieve." He said seriously and turned to him. "We wouldn't be in this mess if it weren't for you. Blowing up the tower and everyone in it was an illogical move on your part." He muttered. His brother winced at the memory and nodded slowly.

"You also remember it was your fault Megatron died." He said as he narrowed his eyes. Soundwave shook his head as he clenched his fists tightly.

"No..." he mumbled quietly and looked at him. Shockwave shoved him against the wall as he glared darkly.

"Do not speak out of turn." He said seriously as he shoved him again. "Logically that leads to rebellion and I will not have it." He muttered and set a hand on his throat. He squeezed a little and Soundwave gasped in pain as his eyes widened in fear.

"You are the weakest member of our team and the weakest in the family. Why Megatron respected you, I'll never know." He said seriously and tightened his grip before throwing him across the room. Soundwave coughed in pain and slowly got up. He looked at him and glared darkly as he clenched his fists tightly.

"I-"

"You are simply seen and not heard. Keep it that way." Shockwave said seriously and walked over as his brother stood. "I will not have you mess things up again." He muttered and smacked him hard across the face. His brother only nodded slowly and turned to leave.

"And Soundwave." The younger brother stopped at the doorway and looked at him again. "If you continue to fail, you can simply become my new experiment." He said seriously and stared at him. The younger man didn't say anything and walked out of the building.